Vehicle accessory mounting



H. C. RIEMANN VEHICLE ACCESSORY MOUNTING oci. 17,l 195o INVENTOR.

Filed Oct. l, 1948 Afro/Enzimi* Patented Oct. 1'7, 195.0

2,526,045 VEHICLE ACCESSORY MOUNTING Y V,Howard C. Riemann, WestAllispWis., assignor to The'lluiton Company, West Allis, Wis., Vacorporation of Wisconsin Application October 1, 1948,' Serial No. 52,369

The present invention relates generally to improvements in automobileaccessories and mountings therefor, and relates more particularly toimprovements in the construction and operation of traflic signalVdetectors for automobiles having outside sun Visors associated with theWindshield thereof.

The primary Yobj-ect of my'present invention is to provide an improvedmounting for accessories applied to thewindshields of modern vehicles,which can be rmly attached and subsequently conveniently adjusted toposition the suspended accessories in any, desired position.

In road vehicles having outside opaque protective Visors associated withthe transparent windshields thereof, it is difcult for the drivers tosee traiiic signals disposed at intersections and at considerableheights above the roadways; and in order to obviate this difculty, ithas heretofore been customary to utilize so-called trafficy light orsignal finders each consisting of a transparent moon-shaped le-nsadapted to be attached to the lower inside left-hand corner of the windshield pane with the'aid of a flexible suction cup. These suction cupsupports were necessarily also adhesively secured to` the windshieldglass since the suction action afforded by the rubber cups was notsufficient to firmly hod them in place;

5 Claims. (Cl. 287-21) t ,obstructed at any time.

and while limited rotary. adjustment between the lens and the supportingcup was provided -for in some of these previous accessories, suchadjustment4 was not sufficient to accommodate drivers of various sizeswithout requiring them to assume annoying changes in position in orderto observe the traiiic signals with the aid of these prior lenses. Y y

It is therefore an important object of the present invention to providean improved mounting for such traffic light detector lenses, whereby theaccessories may be more effectively attached to the vehiclesand'thereafter readily adjusted to suit variable observation conditionsand to accommodate any driver.

Another important object of thisY invention is tol provide a simple anddurable universally adjustable windshield'accessory support which willfirmly. hold the suspended device in any desired position of adjustment,and wherein such'adjustinent' may be quickly effected without removingand replacing any of the fastening elements.

A further more specific object of the invention is to provide animproved traflic signal detecting unit in which the observation lens cannot only be adjusted by rotation thereof in a plane parallel to thetransparent windshield,`but may also be adjusted to `vary the angularitythereof relative to the plane of the windshield and to positionvitnearer to or farther away from the 'windshield surface or atvariouslocalities-throughout an extensive areaV of the latter; whilestill being bodily removable whenever desired, from the drivers visionthrough the transparent shield. l Still anotherspecic object of myinvention is to lprovide an' improved mounting'bracket for accessoriesassociated with a vehicle' windshield,Y which may be rigidly securedtothe body of the@ vehicle with the aid of one or moreof the normalfastening screws for holding the windshield in:

place, and which besides being exible in'use',

also presents a neat and highly attractiveap- An additional specicobject of this invention is to provide a highly decorative traic signalfinderv lens assembly which is effectively cooperable with the variablyinclined, flat or curved windshields of old and new automobile models,and wherein the lens and windshield views are not undesirably 'These andother specic objects and'advanL tages of my present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description.

A'cl-ear conception of several typical embodi' ments of the dominantfeatures of my present im-v provement, and of the mode of attaching and'vutilizing the improved traffic light detectors; may

be had by referringto the drawing accompanying and forming a part'ofthis specification wherein like reference characters designate the sameor similar parts in the various views.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a traino light nder a'ssemblage embodying amultiple link mounting Fig. 2 is an end view of the multiple linkassembly of Fig. 1, Vlooking toward the mounting bracket;

link mounting bracket such as shown in Figs. 1

and 2;

Fig. 6 is a transverse section through a fragment-of a standardautomobile windshield and adjacent vehicle structure, showing the mannerin which my improved accessory brackets are attachable thereto; and

Fig. 7 is'a central section through a ymodified'- 3 mounting ball forthe accessory supporting bracket.

While the improved windshield accessory mounting brackets have beenshown and described herein as being of a particular type, it is not mydesire or intent to unnecessarily limit -the utility of the improvedfeatures by virtue of this restricted disclosure; and it is alsocontemplated that specic descriptive terms employed herein be given thebroadest possible interpretation consistent with the disclosure.

Referring to Figs. 6 and '1 of the drawing, most standard automobilesare now provided with an upwardlyv and rearwardly inclined transparentfront windshield 9 the outer marginal edge of which snugly engages aflexible molding I secured to the vehicle body and to the side or cornerposts II of the metal body, the glass windshield 9 being detachablyconfined in normal position by means of inside moldings or clampingstrips I-2 secured in place bya plurality of screws I3 and coactingvwith a eXible sealing strip or band le whichy engages the innermarginal edge of the windshield pane. The interior of each side post IIjof the metal vehicle body, is reinforced by an internal normallyconcealed plate I into which the self-tapping screws I3 are adapted tobe driven as illustrated, in order to firmly clamp the strips I2 inplace; `and the side doors I6 of the vehicle normally cooperate with theposts II to provide an enclosure for the driver. Many of these standardvehicles are also provided with outside visors attached to the bodiesand disposed forwardly of and above'the windshields 9, and when suchVisors are present, it is frequently diflicult for the vehicle driver toobserve traffic signals Y located considerable distances above andcentrally-of highway intersections; and in order to obviate thisdifficulty, it has been customary to utilizetraflic light finderssecured to the inner lower leftl hand corn-ers of the windshields 9.

The-present invention relates primarily to an improved construction andmounting for such trafiic signal observation lenses, and in accordancewith Figs; l to 5 inclusive, provide each accessory or transparent lensI8 with an integral rigid lateralprojection'l having a sphereor ball 2!formed integral with its outer end. I also provide a mounting ball 2l,2;I of special construction foreach lens I8, each mounting ball havingacentral through opening or bore 22 and an integral inwardly directfrustro-conical flange 23 at.one end of the borel22 as shown in sectionin Figs. 6 and 1, and this ball-2l, ZI' is adapted tofbe connected tothe lens ball12 in various ways so-as, to permit universal adjustment ofthe accessory or lens I3 in any direction relative to theadjacent-windshield's. In Fig. 7, the mounting ball.2l .is also providedwith an outwardly directed ange '23 merging into the tapered flange 2.3thereof., and adapted to flatly engage the adjacent `:strip lf2. Theintegral frustro-conical ange123-of each mounting ball 2 I, 2 I istapered at an angle of about forty-five degrees relative to the ballaxis, and the ball 2 I, 2 I may be firmly attached to-one ofthe'likewise tapered sockets 22 of the clamping strip I2 with which ascrew I3 normally `coacts, by removing the selected screw I3 and bysubsequently replacing it through the bore 22 ,ofv the ball -2I so astocause the tapered screw headto rmly clamp the tapered flange 23 withinrthe tapered socket -24 as depicted in Figs. 6 and .7.

The universal connection between each mountingballl and thecorresponding lens ball2 4 may assume a variety of forms, and in Figs. 1and 2 the mounting bracket for the lens I8 comprises two similarcomposite links 26, 21 each consisting of a pair of interchangeablysimilar elongated trough shaped sheet metal elements 28 the medialportions of which are spaced apart but are detachably and adjustablyinterconnected by means of a screw 29 coacting with a sleev-e nut 3G,while their opposite ends 3l are spherically cup shaped and adapted tosnugly frictionally engage the balls 23, ZI and an intervening knucklemember 32. The kunckle member 32 of Figs. 1 and 2 consists of a pair ofcoaxial spheres 33, 34 integrally united by a neck portion 35, and theadjacent socketed ends 3l of the links 26, 21 are snugly frictionallycooperable with the spheres 33, 34 respectively. When this lens andmounting have been properly constructed and assembled, the link 25 mayobviously be swung in any direction relativ-e to the mounting ball 2land thesphere 33 of the knuckle member'32 may likewise be swung in anydirection relative to the swinging end of thelinkl; while one lend ofthe other link 2l' may be swung'in any Ydirection relative to the othersphere 3, ofthe knuckle member 32 andithe lens ball 2li may be swung inany desired direction relative to the opposite end of the link 21.

In the assemblage. of Figs. 3 and 4, a single somewhat longer link 36composed of two elongated sheet metal spaced elements 28 the medialportions of which areglikewise interconnected by a screw 29 anda sleevenut 3G and the opposite ends 3l of which are also spherically cupshaped, is utilizedto directly connect the fixed mounting ball .2i withthe adjustable lens ball 20, thus avoiding the use of a knuckle memberand a second link. When this simplied assemblage has been properlyconstructed, the single suspension link 36 may be swung in any desir-eddirection about thestationarymounting ball 2I and the lens `ball 20 mayalso be swung in any desireddirection relative tothe swinging end of thelink ,33, thus providing for somewhat more limited but still universaladjustment of the lens i8 withrespect to its mounting ball 2l. In themodified assembly of Fig. 5, the knuckle member 32 of Figs. l and 2 hasbeen replaced by a single ball o sphere .31 coacting with the adjacent'cupped ends 3l of bothjlinks 26, 21, and while this knuckle ball orsphere 31 affords somewhat less relativefmovement between the links 26,21 thanis provided `for by the knuckle member 32, itstillpermitslconsiderable luniversal adjustment of the lens I3.

All of the links 21, 21, 36 are preferably formedV of resilient,material such as sheet metal, and the frictional clamping action'between the cupped ends 3l gof these links and the intervening balls orspheres, may be conveniently varied by manipulatingzt'he V screws '2Sand sleeve nuts 3i! so as to draw thespaced elongated vtrough shapedlink elements 23 together more or'less, and to thereby firmly holdtheparts of each mounting bracket in `desired. positions of adjustment.The mounting ball l2l, and the knuckle member 32 or sphere 'Si whenused, are preferably formed of metal; but the lens l2 is formed oftransparent material such glass or plastic, and has `oneface ,cuppedwhile its opposite face is plane,

has been fastened to one of the attaching screws |3` near the innerlower left hand corner of the windshield 9, the flat lens i8 may beconveniently manually adjusted to any desired position along the innersurface of the windshield pane or at any desired angle relative to theplane of the windshield surface so as to properly accommodate anydriver; and after desired adjustment has been effected, the lens I8 willbe firmly retained in adjusted position by the resilient clampingelements 28.

From the foregoing detailed description of the construction and mode ofuse of my improved trafc light finder, it should be apparent that I haveprovided a simple and readily adjustable unit which may be effectivelyattached to the vehicle body independently of the transparent windshieldpane, and without resorting to the use of less reliable attachments suchas suction cups. The mounting ball 2l is an important feature of theinvention since it may be readily firmly applied to the vehicle bodywithout marring the structure, and may likewise be just as readilyremoved; and this mounting ball 2l may be utilized for the attachment ofvarious other accessories associated with the windshields of automobilesor the like. The composite suspension links which are interposed betweenthe mounting ball 2l and the lens i8, permit universal adjustment of thelens to suit various drivers, and eectively hold the lens I8 in variouspositions of adjustment. The improved formation of the lens I8 with itssupporting arm at the left side thereof, minimizes the obstruction tothe drivers View, and the resilient links 26, 21, 36 may be readilyproduced withthe aid of simple punches and dies.

The improved assemblages shown by way of illustration have all provenhighly satisfactory and successful in actual use, and are convenientlyattachable to practically all modern vehicle bodies with the aid of anordinary screw driver. They produce a neat and highly finishedappearance, and are far more flexible in use than the former trame lightnders which were attached directly to the windshields, while adjustmentof the clamping pressure exerted by the link elements 28 may also beeasily effected with an ordinary screw driver applied to the adjustingscrews 29. The improved mounting brackets Amoreover permit the lenses oraccessories rsuspended therefrom to be swung-entirely clear of thewindshields 9 for cleaning purposes or when the tramo signal detector isnot in use; and the adjustability of the angularity of the lens i8relative to the windshield plane, is `frequently desirable and can beconveniently effected with the present improvement.

It should be understood that it is not desired to limit this inventionto the exact details of construction and to the precise mode of use ofthe automobile accessory mounting bracket herein shown and described,for various modifications within the scope of the appended claims mayoccur to persons skilled in the art.

I claim: k

1. In a vehicle accessory mounting, a ball having an integral radialexternal projection pierced by a small opening, said ball also having alarger diametral hole merging with and extending from the small openingthrough the ball to provide an inwardly directed flange surrounding thesmall opening, a fastening element for the ball extending outwardlythrough the small opening and having a head clampingly engageable withthe inner surface of said flange, and an accessory supporting arm havingopposed spherical zone socket portions frictionally engaging theperiphery of the ball.

2. In a-vehicle accessory mounting, a ball havlng an integral radialexternal projection pierced by a small opening, said ball also having aninternal tapered surface and a larger diametral hole merging therewithand extending from the small opening through the ball to provide aninwardly directed ange bounded by said surface and surrounding the smallopening, a fastening element for the ball extending outwardly throughthe small opening and having a head clampingly engageable with saidtapered surface of said ange, and an accessory supporting arm havingopposed spherical zone socket portions frictionally engaging theperiphery of the ball.

3. In a vehicle accessory mounting, a ball having an integral radialexternal projection pierced by a small opening, said ball also having alarger diametral hole merging with and extending from the small openingthrough the ball to provide an inwardly directed flange surrounding thesmall opening, a fastening element for the ball extendingl outwardlythrough the small opening and having a head clampingly engageable withthe inner surface of said flange, and an accessory supporting armcomposed of two resilient sections having opposed spherical zone socketportions frictionally engaging the periphery of the ball on oppositesides of the latter.

4. In a vehicle accessory mounting, a ball having an integral radialexternal projection pierced f by a small opening, said ball also havinga larger diametral hole merging with and extending from the smallopening through the ball to provide an inwardly directed flangesurrounding the small opening, a fastening element for the ballextending outwardly through the small opening and having a headclampingly engageable with the inner surface of said flange, an armhaving a pair of opposed spherical zone socket portions at one endfrictionally engaging the periphery o f the ball and also having anotherpair of opposed spherical zone socket portions at its opposite end, andan accessory supporting knuckle clampingly engaged by said other socketportions.

5. In a vehicle accessory mounting, a ball having an integral radialprojection pierced by a small opening, said ball also having an internaltapered surface and a larger diametral hole merging therewith andextending from the small opening through the ball to provide an inwardlydirected ange bounded by said surface and surrounding the small opening,a fastening screw for the ball having a threaded shank extendingoutwardly through the small opening and also having a tapered headclampingly engageable with said tapered ange bounding surface, and anaccessory supporting arm having opposed spherical zone socket portionsfrictionally engaging the periphery of the ball.

- HOWARD C. RIEMANN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references areof record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

